Bianca and I have gone apple picking since probably our second year of marriage (way back in 2000). In the decade since, we have gone probably 8 out of the 10 years. We usually go to a place in central Massachusetts called Red Apple Farm. When we first starting going it was little more than a farm stand in the middle of an orchard. Now it is, as you can see, a full blown agri-tourism EVENT, complete with traffic directors and parking lot coordinators on walkie talkies.

This was one in the long line of things that I wanted to introduce Isaac to, so on Saturday with a beautiful, crisp fall day on hand, Bianca, Isaac, and I drove to the farm. Here are some pictures and a few movies:



"You want me to go WHERE?!?!?"



Dad and Isaac at Red Apple Farm (the Baby Bjorn was REALLY designed so that proud Dads could show off their kids).



And so that Dad's can climb up rocks and force their sons into ridiculous poses.

And the video:

Part I



Part II



As usual for the weekend, tons of pictures and videos have been uploaded.

For those that knew Bianca, the determined, planning, hardworking girl that flew through graduate school without so much as a speed bump, you really need to meet the new Bianca--Mommy Mushball. She is still all of those pre-Isaac things, but when it comes to her boy, she is just an ole softy.

For example, when she was reading the Holy Cross website a few days ago she saw an article on the Mass of the Holy Spirit (the sort of final parent child moment in the college drop off procedure at CHC) she got a little teary-eyed just thinking about Isaac's college drop off. So what if he doesn't have teeth yet.

Then their are the moments when little Isaac is crying. Babies cry. Since they can't talk or point or play charades, they cry. Every once in a while I make the mistake of getting between Mommy Mushball and her boy when he is red-faced and a bit teary. An elbow to the ribs later and I realize that no one should come between a mom and her crying baby.

In all seriousness though, it is delightful to watch two people I love love each other. Isaac and Bianca have a unique and special relationship. It is so fun to watch him stare at her when she talks, even if it is about who is cleaning up after dinner. For Isaac Anthony his mommy is the rising and setting sun. And for Bianca, Galileo's Astronomy be damned, her son is the center of the universe.

Last few days have been a bear for Bianca and Isaac as the Outside Boy and his mommy couldn't go outside because of the persistent rain. When I came home last night we were forced to scrap the last walk of the day. Instead we did all kinds of things to distract CB. This included a Dad-favorite, the flashlight show, and an everyone-favorite time in the Baby Bjorn. But it was the last thing of the day that kept him the happiest--a twenty minute fart session with Dad.

CB was strapped in to the Baby Bjorn and Mom and CB were in the kitchen. Dad was making fart noises (not actual farts, unfortunately) and CB started watching. It built slowly over about five minutes but eventually he was letting out minutes of continuous laughter--truly belly laughs. For about ten minutes I was the funniest person in the world.

Then he got tired and we went upstairs. But it was yet another moment I will never forget. For once, someone found fart noises as funny as I do (though I think I could safely include Myles and Domenic in the club as well). It also struck me that I would have done that for the rest of the day if he would have kept laughing.

It is great being a Dad.